By The American Tribune | Created at 2026-10-07 10:16:39 | Updated at 2026-10-07 11:24:23
1 hour ago
Border czar Tom Homan pushed back when a CBS reporter questioned ICE’s detention of illegal immigrants without criminal charges or convictions. Asked about Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar’s criticism of enforcement operations, Homan demanded a specific example of agents going too far. The reporter cited a statistic about detainees’ criminal records. Homan responded by asking whether they were in the country illegally, then pointed to federal deportation law.
The exchange took place during an interview with CBS News immigration correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez. His question concerned ICE operations in Florida and Salazar’s claim that some Latino voters who supported President Donald Trump felt betrayed by the administration’s enforcement efforts. Salazar, a Florida Republican, has also promoted the Dignity Act of 2025, legislation that would grant legal status to certain immigrants living in the United States illegally.
“Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, a Republican, said that some ICE operations have quote gone too far, and she’s saying that some Latinos here in the state, including people who voted for the president, feel that they have been betrayed,” the reporter said. “What is your response to that?” Homan answered, “Give me an example where we went too far. That’s a pretty bold statement to make.” He pressed again: “Where have we gone too far?”
“She cited the statistic that 50% of ICE detainees don’t have a criminal charge or conviction,” the reporter replied in the clip. “Are they in the country illegally?” Homan asked. “Yes,” the reporter answered. “They’re deportable by federal law. She’s a member of Congress,” Homan responded. Montoya-Galvez then asked about the millions of people potentially subject to deportation under that policy. “But so are millions of people, right?” he asked. “Yeah, if you’re in the country illegally, you got a problem,” Homan replied. “You shouldn’t be here.”
Federal immigration law lists immigration-status violations and criminal offenses as separate grounds for deportation. Section 1227 of Title 8 includes presence in violation of federal law among its grounds. It also separately addresses people who violate the conditions of their nonimmigrant status. A person who overstays an authorized stay can therefore face removal proceedings without first being convicted of a separate criminal offense.
The Justice Department’s immigration-court guidance explains that removal proceedings begin when DHS serves a Notice to Appear and files it with the court. An immigration judge then determines whether the person is removable based on the evidence. Someone found removable may accept a removal order or apply for relief from removal. The court also determines eligibility for that relief.
Watch Homan’s exchange with the reporter here:
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Salazar’s proposed Dignity Program would offer qualifying immigrants present before 2021 seven years of legal status with work authorization, according to her office’s bill summary. Participants would pay $7,000 in restitution, remain in legal compliance and check in regularly with DHS. Their status could be renewed if they remained in good standing. The program would provide no federal benefits or path to citizenship.
The broader legislation also proposes nationwide E-Verify requirements for employers and additional border infrastructure, including barriers, drones and radar. It includes separate provisions for immigrants brought to the country as children, with education, employment or military-service requirements for permanent residency. Salazar’s office describes funding through restitution payments and a 1% payroll levy on Dignity Program participants.
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video.
